Click here to edit subtitle

Handling & Support

Guinea pigs rarely bite when being handled or restrained, they rarely struggle when they are being picked up but often make a “squeal of protest.” Nevertheless, great care should be taken not to injure them when picking them up. The guinea pig should be approached with 2 hands, one is placed under the guinea pig's chest and abdomen, and the other supports its hindquarters. Keep them close to your chest. Adults and those that are pregnant should receive gentle, but firm, and total support.

H ousing

Playtime cages should have an area off the ground to protect them from weather conditions. If any cage has wire flooring please remove as this can cause foot and leg damage. Wire sides should be of 10mm square or smaller.

Any housing should be easy to clean, well lit, and adequately ventilated.

Guinea pigs are most comfortable when they are spared exposure to excessive noise, needless excitement and confusion, and other stresses. As with the playtime cages please secure with flyscreen to protect against snakes and predators.

Hygiene

The frequency with which the enclosure is cleaned depends on the materials out of which it is made, and the number of guinea pigs that reside within. As a general rule, the enclosure and all cage "furniture" should be cleaned and disinfected once weekly. Food and water containers should be cleaned and disinfected once daily. Vinegar is often required to remove the scale deposited by the crystalline urine of guinea pigs. Guinea pigs require worming once every 3 months with Ivermectin. If your guinea pig gets dirty or smelly you can wash them with a small animal shampoo, but not required more then once a month. Nails need to be trimmed on a regular basis as they can grow into their foot pads and cause a lot of pain.

Daily Dietary Requirements

80% Hay & Grass

15% Vegetables High in Vitamin C

5% Pellet Mix

Fruit as a treat

Food & Water

Good-quality food and fresh, clean water must be readily available at all times. Hay and grass should form a major part of their diet as well as a fresh and steady supply of guinea pig mix (foods to feed and not to feed ~ below.) Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C and must, therefore, receive it from an outside source. Any changes in the food itself should be made gradually. Failure to do so usually results in the guinea pigs' refusing food and water. Feeding should take place twice a day once in the morning and once at night.

Weather

Please remember to keep you guinea pigs cool during warmer months, place a frozen water bottle or something simular in their cage. Guinea Pigs can suffer from heat stroke over 24C Fans are also good but make sure it is set to oscillate and not directly on them. Please do not use plastic igloo's in outdoor cages during these months.

During winter make sure your piggies are warm and free from any drafts. Blankets and Snuggle sacks are of great comfort.